Assistant County Veterans Service Officer

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for assisting veterans and/or their dependents in obtaining Veteran Affairs and State of Wisconsin veteran benefits. Ensures proper Military Discharge authorizes eligible federal and state benefits to veteran, and family members. Assists, processes, and tracks all federal and state claim that are filed in a timely manner. Will act as the County Director Veterans Service Officer in their absence or as requested by the Board of Health and Veterans Services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

– Performs complex case management of veterans and their family members in obtaining earned benefits and responsible for creating, updating, maintaining and securing confidential records, files, forms, and data systems.
– Assists veterans and/or their dependents in determination of eligible benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), and various Shawano County benefit programs.
– Assists veterans and/or dependents in the development, submission, tracking, and follow-up actions for all claims filed. Works and cooperates with various federal, state, and local agencies such as Social Security Administration, Veteran Centers, District Attorney, Sheriff’s Department, Register of Deeds, Department of Health & Human Services, other County Veteran Service Offices, and medical facilities as necessary to assist veterans and dependents in claim development.
– Represents veterans as an accredited representative before the Department of Veterans Affairs, including preparation and presentation of claims and appeals before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and Administrative Law Judges.
– Inputs and updates WDVA VBATS web-based database to include registering veteran discharge information and burial grave registration. Provides notice of veteran deaths to VA and burial information to WDVA as required by state statutes.
– Submits applications for general benefits eligibility, Wisconsin GI Bill, – Wisconsin Property Tax Credit, and assistance to Needy Veterans Grant Programs.
– Evaluates eligibility and makes recommendations regarding emergency relief and benefits, in coordination with the County Director Veterans Service Officer.
– Maintain knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding veteran’s benefits.
– Attends state semi-annual training conferences, regional and local staff training, and informational workshops/meetings to gain knowledge of veterans’ benefits and new VA procedures.
– Participates in outreach programs that may require work outside of normal hours when necessary and travel when necessary.
– Maintain security of confidential and sensitive matters and materials. Ability to work regularly with confidential data to include Protective Health Information (PHI) which could contain information of personal nature. Such information if disclosed improperly could cause severe adverse legal and community reaction to the Veteran Service Office and Shawano County.
– Composes correspondence, reports, legal documents and related material from clear copy or rough draft.
– Prepares invoices and purchase orders in financial software system for Director approval.
– Answers and screens incoming calls. Provides basic information in preparation for initial appointment using VA program checklists.
– Compiles data and information to assist in the completion of annual reports, special studies and various projects.
– Obtains Birth, Death and Marriage certificates with Register of Deeds for VA claim development.
– Maintains marketing information including social medial management.
– Organizes all County service organization officer contact information.
– Responsible for writing articles and dispersing monthly newsletters and department reports for Health Services and Veterans Board. Presents to director for review.
– Organizes and coordinates Youth Government Day with area high schools and various County departments.
– Assists in organization of Shawano County Fair booth including reservations, marketing material and attendance.
– Maintains monthly department expenses for DCVSO budget review.
– Responsible for maintaining working inventory of office materials and marketing supplies.
– Assists local funeral directors with burial of veterans.
– Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as required.

Work Requirements:

-Associate’s Degree required.
-Two years previous experience in case management, preferred.
-Accreditation by the VA Office of General Counsel at time of hire or within 6 months of employment. Accreditation requires fingerprinting and federal background check by the Office of General Counsel to obtain accreditation with the Veterans Administration.